Denver Events in January 2018

Denver events in January 2018 include several outdoor winter festivals as well as popular annual indoor events at the convention center.

To get a taste of Colorado's Western traditions, check out the annual National Western Stock Show & Rodeo and Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

Big events such as the boat and RV shows, sportsmen's expo, and bridal show are also big draws.

Take part in festivities honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., including the country's largest march and rally.

Be sure to get out of the city to see Colorado's mountain towns and visit their one-of-a-kind outdoor wintertime festivals.

New Year's Day

Denver events in January on New Year's Day include shopping along the 16th Street Mall, a visit to the Downtown Aquarium, or a stroll through the Zoo. You will also find a handful of restaurants open, as well as a few local sports bars with college football games on all day long.

You will also find some concerts, theater performances, and other fun nighttime activities.

Colorado Avalanche Games

If you're a hockey fan visiting Denver in January, be sure to check out a Colorado Avalanche game. The team plays six home games this month at the Pepsi Center downtown. Here's the lineup:

National Western Stock Show & Rodeo

Date: 1/6 - 1/21

Location: National Western Stock Show, 4655 Humboldt St.

Since 1906, Colorado has celebrated its Western traditions at the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo. This is one of the top Denver events in January and here you'll see horse shows, more than 20 cattle breeds, animal exhibitions, and more than two dozen rodeos featuring some of the world's best bull riders.

At high noon on Jan. 6th, the 15-day event kicks off during a parade starting at Union Station. The streets of downtown Denver will be filled with a procession of Longhorn cattle, horses, tractors, floats, bands, and of course, cowboys and cowgirls.

Monthly Theater Shows

The 2015 Tony Award for Best Musical Revival winning "The King and I" comes to the Buell Theatre in January from the 3rd to the 14th.

This five-time Tony winner, including Best Costume Design, is based on Margaret Landon's novel, "Anna and the King of Siam" from 1944.

This famous musical is the story of Anna, the governess of the King of Siam's children in the 1860s and her relationship with the amazing King of Siam. It was adapted into the current musical by the famous team of Rodgers and Hammerstein in 1951 and has been a favorite for many years

In addition to The King and I, other Denver events in January on stage include First Date, Zoey's Perfect Wedding, American Mariachi as well as many others.

Comedy Shows

Denver has one of the country's best comedy scenes, so if you love stand-up, you're in the right place. The city attracts nationally known headliners to its famous comedy clubs as well as other top venues around town.

Two top Denver events in January include comedy heavyweights: award-winning comedians Jake Johannsen, Tim Allen, Beth Stelling and many more.

Festivals & Other Events

Some of the biggest Denver events in January are at the Colorado Convention Center downtown. Here are some of the largest ones.

Colorado RV Adventure Travel Show(Jan. 4th - 6th): Road warriors will want to see the new 2018 model motor homes, trailers, fifth-wheels, and campers at the largest RV show in the Rockies. The Colorado Convention Center will showcase more than 300 RVs as well as accessories and gear.

Colorado Bridal Show (Jan. 7th): Did you get engaged over the holidays? Then you won't want to miss this boutique bridal show where you can get wedding ideas and meet vendors who can help make your special day a dream come true. Make sure to visit The Curtis Hotel Downtown and find everything you desire at this year's Colorado Bridal Show.

Denver Boat Show (Jan. 12th - 14th): Thinking about buying a boat? Then cruise down to the Colorado Convention Center for the boat show. You'll find representatives from boat dealers, repair shops, canvas shops, marinas, and gear shops ready to answer all your questions about boating.

Colorado Cowboy Poetry Gathering (Jan. 19th - 21st): If the Wild West lifestyle interests you, check out this unique event at the American Mountaineering Center in Golden. Cowboys and cowgirls will sing, recite poetry, and tell stories about life in the American West.

Denver Brew Fest (Jan. 26th - Jan 27th): Starting at 7 pm and ending at 10 pm, this is a chance for you to celebrate and sample some of the best local brews around Colorado and from other states as well. Always known as a great party, this event is held at the beautiful Mile High Station. There will also be food, art vendors and live music during the event.

Martin Luther King Marade (March & Parade)

Date: 1/15

Location: City Park, East 22nd Avenue and Colorado Boulevard

Time: Participants gather at 9 am. Parade begins at 10 am

The Martin Luther King "Marade" (a merger of "march" and "parade") is the country's largest march and rally in honor of the civil rights activist's birth.

This one-of-a-kind celebration begins at 10:45 a.m. at City Park, but get there early for a good spot. The 5K march ends at Civic Center Park and is followed by a special program at the Greek Theater.

Free Museum Days

Some of Denver's top attractions offer regularly scheduled "free" days. Make note of these dates when entrance fees are waived at the following museums.

1/2: Children's Museum of Denver (from 4 pm to 8 pm)

1/6: Denver Art Museum

1/8 & 1/28: Denver Museum of Nature & Science

1/12: Four Mile Historic Park

1/26: Clyfford Still Museum: An art museum showcasing the work of the abstract expressionist.

Denver Art Museum: "Her Paris: Women in the Age of of Impressionism" features over 80 paintings from almost 40 different female artists from the Impressionistic art period (Ends January 14th).

Denver Museum of Nature & Science: "Ultimate Dinosaurs" If you are a fan of dinosaurs then this is the exhibit for you! With 17 fully articulated dinosaurs, video projections of this historic time, and games, this is definitely a can't miss (Ends January 15th).

Denver Nuggets Games

Head to the Pepsi Center for some fast-paced hoops. In January, the NBA's Denver Nuggets have six home games. You can see teams such as the N.Y. Knicks, San Antonio Spurs, Boston Celtics, L.A. Clippers, Utah Jazz, and NBA World Champion Golden State Warriors.

Denver Events in January: Ice Skating

One of the best Denver events in January for the entire family is ice skating. Everyday in January, you and your family can skate all day at the Southwest Rink in downtown Denver's Skyline Park.

Ice skating is free if you bring your own skates; otherwise, skate rental is $2.

Colorado Symphony Performances

Some of the best Denver events in January happen at Boettcher Concert Hall, home of the Colorado Symphony Orchestra. If you're in town this month, come hear wonderful music performed by one of Denver's treasured organizations.

Programs in January include both traditional and modern — from Vivaldi's Four Season to Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban in concert.

Beyond Denver

Some of the best Denver events in January are just a short drive away in our gorgeous mountain towns. Here are a few of the most popular options this month.

International Snow Sculpture Championships (Jan. 22nd - 29th): Bundle up and head to Riverwalk Center in Breckenridge to see international snow artists compete in this fun contest. You'll learn about the snow-sculpting process and get to vote for your favorite sculpture. Beautiful ice carvings will also be on display around 150 West Adams Avenue.

Wintersköl at Aspen (Jan. 11th - 14th): This annual event in the ski town of Aspen features an eclectic variety of activities. You'll find snow-sculpturing and soup-making competitions, ice skating, shopping night, kids' night, food, lectures, live music, films, theater, and much more.

Estes Park Winter Festival (Jan. 13th and 14th): Estes Park, in the heart of the Rockies, hosts this family-friendly festival that includes local wine and beer tastings, chili cook-offs, live music, kids' activities, a climbing wall, historical reenactors, and snowshoeing.